Page 62 of Cipher

Raines stared for a moment before turning toward the scorched laptop. “I have guns, accelerant, attempted destruction of evidence, and three suspects who fled with devices already covered by pending warrants. I can find more productive questions.”

The deputies restrained each man while the medics stabilized their injuries, and the evidence technician began cataloging the phones, drives, cash, documents, and maintenance laptop. Raines confirmed that Pritchard, Pike, Stowe, and Jeff would face state and county charges for conspiracy, unauthorized access, evidence tampering, stalking, burglary support, obstruction, and every assault the records could tie to the six jobs. Federal charges were likely once the provider data and interstate financial activity landed with the right office, but I cared more that none of them would touch another person before a cell door closed.

I rode straight to the sheriff’s department after the ambulances and transport vehicles left the pit. The dispatch floor remained active behind reinforced glass, but Bex saw me through it before I reached the controlled entrance. She abandoned her chair, crossed the room at a run, and reached me the second Wraith opened the door.

I caught her beneath the arms and lifted her against my chest without caring that dispatchers, deputies, and her father’s office surrounded us. Her legs wrapped around my hips, both arms locked around my neck, and the first full breath I’d taken all night was all Bex. I pressed my face into her hair and held her until the cold pressure driving me since Nomad’s call finally released.

“All three are in custody,” I told her when she pulled back enough to search my face. “The devices are secured and the operation is finished.”

Her hands moved over my jaw, shoulders, and knuckles, checking every visible inch before her eyes narrowed at the blood dried near one cuff. “Are you hurt?”

“Not mine.”

Bex studied me for another moment, then slid her fingers into my hair and held my gaze with the firm expression that had once ordered deputies toward a call the system claimed never existed. “Let’s go home, Corbin.”

I lowered her until her boots touched the floor but kept one arm locked around her waist. “It’s like you read my mind, baby.”

26

BEX

What a difference twenty-four hours could make. Many arrests had been made, and I didn’t need to worry about being the target of a criminal conspiracy anymore. Even though Corbin kept talking as though I wasn’t going anywhere, I was a little worried about how our relationship would be impacted by me not needing to stay at his house to remain safe.

But he eased some of those fears when he told me to put on jeans and a jacket, along with my boots, on Wednesday night. Then he led me out to the garage. “Ride with me.”

“Sounds perfect.”

I took my helmet from him and swung onto the motorcycle behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist as the engine growled to life. We left the house and rode down winding roads, the wind pulling at my clothes and the last of the lingering tension unraveling with every mile.

I didn’t ask where we were going because I didn’t care. I was exactly where I wanted to be.

Eventually the bike slowed. He pulled off at a dark overlook above the valley, kicked the stand down, and cut the engine.

He held the motorcycle steady. “Off, baby.”

I swung my leg over and stood on the gravel. He followed, set both helmets on the seat, and joined me as I looked out at the smattering of lights below us. “It’s beautiful up here. Thanks for bringing me.”

“Fucking stunning.” Sliding his arm around my waist, he brushed a kiss against my temple.

I tilted my head back and found him staring at me instead of the view. Even after all we’d done in bed together, I blushed at the heat in his dark eyes. “How come you know better lookout spots than me? I’m the one who grew up here.”

“Studied the terrain, baby.”

“Uh-huh.” I had no doubt he’d scoured every inch of the land his club had claimed as their own. That was how he was wired.

We stared out at the view together for a few minutes. When he turned, I assumed he was ready to leave, but he opened the saddlebag instead to take out a folded piece of black leather.

He shook it out, and my breath caught in my lungs at the words stitched on the back.

PROPERTY OF CIPHER

“You brought me here to give me your property patch?” It was more romantic than I would’ve expected from him, which only made the moment even more special.

“I am.”

He turned me so my back faced his chest, guided my arms into the vest, and settled the leather over my shoulders. His hands smoothing the material into place, then he turned me back around.

I stared up at him, hyper aware of the weight of his name sitting across my back. “Corbin⁠—”